The Grit & Grace Podcast

What happens when two people stop trying to fix each other and start doing the hard work of looking in the mirror? In this honest conversation, Dana sits down with Kristin Carlson to discuss marriage, addiction, recovery, motherhood, faith, and what it really takes to rebuild a relationship that once felt like it was falling apart. Kristin shares her journey through alcoholism, choosing sobriety,...

What starts with hilarious stories quickly becomes a meaningful conversation about growth, relationships, purpose, and living intentionally. In this episode of Grit & Grace, we share unforgettable moments—from falling out of trucks and family camping mishaps to favorite books, bucket list dreams, and the experiences that have shaped our lives. Along the way, we explore how reading, dreaming bi...

What happens when a child grows up surrounded by instability, trauma, addiction, and uncertainty, but someone finally says, “I see you. You matter. I’m here” ? In this powerful episode of Grit & Grace , host Dana Lyons sits down with Angie Newton, Executive Director of Salem Angels, to discuss childhood trauma, foster care, trauma informed care, addiction, resilience, healing, mentorship, moth...

What happens when a man finally stops blaming everyone else and starts doing the hard work of facing himself? In Episode 20 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with author and speaker Paul Carlson for a powerful conversation about marriage, addiction, healing, identity, accountability, therapy, codependency, and the long journey of personal transformation. Paul shares his deeply person...

Grit & Grace is packed with powerhouse women, hilarious stories, and the kind of real talk every woman needs to hear. Host Dana Lyons sits down with Jackie Ellerbrock and Lori Haraldsen for a conversation that somehow includes community leadership, career pivots, penguins, honey badgers, accidental self-tasering, and a homeless woman chase scene straight out of a sitcom. Jackie shares how she...

Episode 18 of the Grit & Grace Podcast is all about laughter, real talk, and those “asking for a friend…” moments we all have 😄 Join us as we sit down with special guests Lori Haraldsen and Jackie Ellerbrock for a completely unfiltered, joy-filled conversation that proves the best episodes are the ones you don’t overprepare for. From the moment we hit record (maybe a little early 👀), this ep...

This is a conversation many women have lived, but few have ever said out loud. In Episode 17 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, we talk openly about sexual assault, the confusion around it, and why so many women don’t recognize their experiences until years later. This episode dives deep into the hidden realities of sexual trauma, breaking down what sexual assault really is—and what it isn’t. Throug...

What if rebuilding trust in your community starts with one simple conversation? In this episode of the Grit & Grace Podcast, Dana sits down with Lori Haraldsen, founder of Valor Connect, for a powerful and honest discussion about law enforcement, community trust, and real-world solutions that bring people together. Lori shares her firsthand experience serving on the Salem Police Foundation, ex...

What if strong communities aren’t built by one system alone—but through nonprofits, leadership, and people working together? In Episode 115 of the Grit & Grace Podcast, we sit down with Joy Dickinson, nonprofit consultant and Owner of Dickinson Consultants, to explore nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategy, and how organizations can build long-term sustainability. If you're a nonprofi...

In this episode of Grit and Grace , host Dana Lyons sits down with hospitality expert and former boutique hotel owner Samantha Irwin to explore networking, leadership, and the power of authentic human connection. Samantha shares her practical “3-2-1 Rule” for introverts at networking events , explains the hospitality trifecta—eye contact, a smile, and a greeting , and talks about how women in busi...

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Grit & Grace Podcast , hosted by Dana Lyons , featuring nutrition professional Ali Virtue from Parkside Nutrition . In this episode of the Grit & Grace women’s health podcast , we break down the simple daily habits that support heart health for women, energy, metabolism, and long-term wellness . Instead of extreme diets or trending wellness fads, this conversat...

Customer service isn’t about being “nice.” It’s about building trust. In this episode of the Great Grace Podcast, I sit down with Brooke Hubert to talk about what really creates loyalty in business: relationship, honesty, and genuine care—even when conversations are hard or the answer isn’t what someone wants to hear. If you’ve ever felt turned off by pushy sales energy, awkward networking, or cus...

Mental health touches every family. In this episode, Valerie Geer shares an honest conversation about severe and persistent mental illness, caregiver burnout, stigma, crisis response, and what real community mental health support looks like beyond a therapist’s office. We discuss the role of a community chaplain at the YMCA, why safe spaces matter, and how families can find practical help through...

How do you build a profitable business while leading with heart? In this episode of the Grit & Grace Podcast , Dana interviews Amy Donaldson — author, business coach, speaker, and real estate leader — about servant leadership, cash flow management, entrepreneurship, and empowering women in business. If you're a real estate professional, entrepreneur, small business owner, coach, or woman...

A cancer survivor physician on illness, women finding their voice, and why real healing isn’t toxic positivity What happens when life breaks you open—and you choose not to look away? In this powerful episode of the Grit & Grace Podcast , host Dana Lyons sits down with Dr. Cindy Howard —physician, cancer survivor, and award-winning author of Positively Altered —for an honest conversation about...

Functional nutritionist Ali Virtue joins the Great Grace Podcast to unpack what a healthy reset for women really looks like—without diets or shame. This episode covers hunger cues, hormones, midlife metabolism, sleep, emotional eating, and sustainable habits that support long-term women’s health. Connect & Learn More ⬇️ Grit & Grace: https://www.gritandgraceenterprises.com Instagram: https...

Community doesn’t just happen—and meaningful connection takes intention. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, disappointed by relationships, or unsure how to truly belong again, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast , Dana sits down with Lori Harreldsen , entrepreneur, community builder, and CEO of Valor Connect , for an honest and powerful conversation about what i...

Do you feel anxious, overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in survival mode—even when your life looks “fine” on the outside? In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast , host Dana Lyons talks with nurse practitioner Sarah Haugland-Hagge about nervous system regulation , trauma , somatic healing , and the powerful mind-body connection . Together, they explore why your body may feel unsafe even when...

What does it really look like to lead without losing yourself? In this episode of The Grit & Grace Podcast , Dana talks with executive coach Lucy Escobar about emotionally intelligent leadership, faith, family, and building a life that actually works. Most women aren’t trying to build a brand—they’re trying to build a life that works. In Episode 5 of the Grit & Grace Podcast , Dana sits do...

Can you actually enjoy the holidays without feeling sluggish, bloated, or guilty afterward? In this festive Christmas episode of Grit & Grace, we welcome back Allie Virtue of Parkside Nutrition to break down how to stay healthy, energized, and grounded during the busiest (and treat-filled) time of the year. We move past the awkwardness and talk about real health—starting with gut health (yes,...

Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day? In this episode, Dana sits down with coach, author, and speaker Amy Donaldson for a powerful and honest conversation about time—how we use it, how we lose it, and how to reclaim it. They dive into what it truly means to live with intention, create peace in the middle of chaos, and stop living by the phrase “I don’t have time.” Amy shares pr...

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Grit and Grace Podcast!  In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Jackie Ellerbrock, the Director of Operations at the Salem Chamber of Commerce in Salem, Oregon. Jackie is a connector, a storyteller, and a powerhouse of community impact. From championing local businesses to cultivating meaningful spaces for genuine conversation, Jackie brings her signature blen...

In our first episode, we sit down with functional nutritionist and business owner Ali Virtue for a real, refreshingly honest conversation about food, health, and what it truly means to feel good in your body. Ali breaks down her approach to treating nutrition like strength training—teaching women the “proper form” for how we eat, how we fuel, and how we tune into what our bodies are telling us. We...

Hi there! I’m Dana, and I believe every woman has a powerful story to share. As your host for the Grit & Grace Podcast, I’m a wife, mom, grandmother, author, and speaker who knows firsthand what it means to lead, serve, grow, and sometimes navigate a home that seems to have a mind of its own (read: never Pinterest perfect!). My own journey through midlife transitions, navigating work-life bala...